[jalapeno]

We're taking the kids to the beach and Sea World soon! My kids are 2.5 years, 16 months, and 12 months old. All are walking. The 16 month old is very fast and tends to try to run off in public places. There will be three adults going so in theory we should be able to keep close tabs on the kids. But does anyone have any good safety tips to share?

I thought I would have dog tags with our cell numbers that I can attach to their belt loops. Anybody ever try that or something like it? Any better ideas?

Thanks everyone!!

[Stormster]

Hi Jala!

REad the book "protecting the gift" it was written by a terrific security expert named Gavin de Becker. He talks about all this tuff. Loads of ideas I think you'll get a lot out of it. It's been around a while, I'm sure you can find it at your local library.

[jalapeno]

Originally Posted by Stormster

Hi Jala!

REad the book "protecting the gift" it was written by a terrific security expert named Gavin de Becker. He talks about all this tuff. Loads of ideas I think you'll get a lot out of it. It's been around a while, I'm sure you can find it at your local library.

Oh yes, thank you for reminding me. I've read another of his books and that one's been on my list but I hadn't thought to read it before we go. That's a great idea!

[DPline]

We just came back from Disney and while my son is 5, I did not trust that he wouldn't see Mickey and just take off, or even that we wouldn't just get separated in a crowd. I got a thing from Babies R Us with a velcro 'bracelet' on each end and a lengh of webbing (a yard maybe, but stretchy) connecting them. Any time we were walking in the park he was connected to DH or myself and it worked out great. I also saw some kids in the park with backpacks that were shaped like a monkey and then the parent held the monkey's tail to keep the child close.

Have fun at Sea World!

[jwmjwm]

Originally Posted by DPline

We just came back from Disney and while my son is 5, I did not trust that he wouldn't see Mickey and just take off, or even that we wouldn't just get separated in a crowd. I got a thing from Babies R Us with a velcro 'bracelet' on each end and a lengh of webbing (a yard maybe, but stretchy) connecting them. Any time we were walking in the park he was connected to DH or myself and it worked out great. I also saw some kids in the park with backpacks that were shaped like a monkey and then the parent held the monkey's tail to keep the child close.

Have fun at Sea World!

We also have used the kid harnesses for our toddlers when in very crowded and distracting places like Disney, the zoo, airports, etc. At first it seemed strange to have kids on "leashes," but we decided it was better than potentially losing a kid, or trying to keep an active toddler in a stroller at all times.

[jalapeno]

Update: I got one of those bracelet straps for my DD and harnesses for my two DS's. DD and I practiced with hers today and she thought it was a great game. Thanks for the ideas! I can't wait to go on vacation!!!!!

[cynthiaone]

I think it is a very good idea. Even if you are a great mother and do the hold hand policy like I do. But, when my daughter was of 3 year old, I had taught her to say she needs help, then take off her shoe, which will contain her phone number on the tongue.

And better not to post your phone number visibly on your child. With reverse look up a bunch of weirdos can find where you live and come stalk your child.

[vegaschristina]

One thing that we do whenever we're going somewhere crowded is to take a picture with both my cell phone and my camera before we leave the motel of each child. If the child runs off, the first thing the cops will ask for is a current picture and what is the child wearing. By taking the picture each morning, I've got both covered and I don't have to worry about my memory when I'm freaking out because a kid's missing. I've never needed the picture, but I do it each time we go out.

I also have a USB flash drive thingy on my keychain that has all of the kids info (height/weight/DOB/other info) as well as pictures. It's called a NevadAmber and the flash drive has a self-contained program so I can go to ANY computer and print a missing person poster or it can go out over a police computer. I'll be glad to give you the info if anyone's interested.

[jalapeno]

Originally Posted by cynthiaone

And better not to post your phone number visibly on your child. With reverse look up a bunch of weirdos can find where you live and come stalk your child.

Would this include cell phones also do you think? My kids are still too young to reliably be counted on to remember to take off their shoe if they're scared but I'll have to remember that one. My SIL recommended a website that offers personalized temporary tattoos. They come in kid friendly designs and are intended for things like phone numbers or medical alerts. I didn't have time to try this before our vacation this time. But my SIL has a 3 year that also tends to wander at the slightest opportunity so she uses these tattoos for backup.

Child Safety Tattoos - The Tat That Brings Kids Back! :: SafetyTat

On an interesting aside . . . My mother went with us on our trip and she ended up finding a lost child. He was 5 years old and was hiding behind a trash can at Sea World frightened out of his wits. She was able to calm him down a little and get enough information that she was able to find his dad pretty quickly. Thank goodness!

[jalapeno]

Originally Posted by vegaschristina

I also have a USB flash drive thingy on my keychain that has all of the kids info (height/weight/DOB/other info) as well as pictures. It's called a NevadAmber and the flash drive has a self-contained program so I can go to ANY computer and print a missing person poster or it can go out over a police computer. I'll be glad to give you the info if anyone's interested.

What a neat idea! I'm checking out their website now . . .